Preschool in Bethesda Copy

Kindergarten Readiness

A child who has discovered that the learning process is fun and rewarding is truly prepared to meet the challenges of the more directed teaching methods that they will encounter in kindergarten and beyond…

A Love of Learning

Preschool children are learning all the time – and they learn best through play and being active! Like other preschool children, your child probably asks lots of questions: How does this work? What makes plants grow? Preschoolers are very curious about their world. In our program we help your child to develop their natural curiosity. We want them to see themselves as inventors, problem solvers, discoverers and capable learners. We encourage your child to observe, explore, take things apart, build, create, draw, and see what they can find out.

You probably have academic goals for your child; to be a good reader and writer, to solve problems in math and science, to be a good citizen in the world, to appreciate the arts, and to use technology. We share the same goals, but learning in preschool looks different from learning in elementary school. The key to successful learning experiences is to figure out what interests your child. We use those interests to engage your child in actively exploring and learning about the world around them. We help your child develop a love of learning.

Preschool Curriculum

Our preschool curriculum is infused with the ideas and interests that emerge from the imaginations of the children. Our approach is primarily developmental, stressing social skills, exploration, discovery, independence, and creativity. Through the encouragement of cooperative decision making and guided classroom conversations, our talented teachers skillfully incorporate elements of history, science, geography, storytelling, language and writing, numbers and mathematics into on-going, expanding creative multi medium play projects. In other words, thoughtfully guided fun!

In the Classroom

Our preschoolers days are filled with lots of imaginative free play and rich experiences in the arts, dramatic play, nature, numbers, language and early writing. Special teachers visit the classrooms regularly to present activities and experiences in music & movement, sports & fitness, and foreign language exposure. The more active children are in their work, the more they learn and remember.

Each of our centers has two preschool classrooms; a 3-4 year old class and a 4-5 year old class. Each class has twenty children. Our preschool rooms are bright and sunny, and beautifully equipped. Our teachers are enthusiastic, experienced and continuously trained. They are kind and nurturing.

Toilet training not required…

Many children in this age group are still learning to use the potty. Weather a child is three years old or five years old, our experienced caregivers are there to provide positive encouragement and support to the children (and their parents!) as they navigate the transition to a diaper free life!

Rockville

Testimonials

William is just so happy...

William is just so happy to go to school each day, and that gives me a little glimpse into the joyful way he spends each day at the shoe.

N. Chien

We love The Shoe!

"We love The Shoe! The staff has helped mold my daughter into a smart, caring and passionate child. I feel confident, everyday she's dropped off, that she is kept safe and cared for. Charleigh has been enrolled at The Shoe since she was 6 months o...

Alexandra Smith

The teachers and staff at The Children in the Shoe are amazing!

"The teachers and staff at The Children in the Shoe are amazing! We have one child who graduated from the Shoe last year and was 100% ready for Kindergarten - largely because of all the educational and social activities she was exposed to in pre...

M. Smith

The teachers are warm and caring

"I have two daughters that attend The Children in the Shoe on a part time basis. My older daughter started in the toddler room and will soon be in the pre-school and my younger daughter started in the infant room and is now in the toddler room. We...

S. Hendrickson

I know that my children both love the environment and their teachers

"We have been with the “Shoe” for over 2 years now. We have 2 children currently enrolled, and will be enrolling our soon-to-be born 3rd child when the time comes. We have been extremely happy with the quality of the care our childr...

L. Sera

No other childcare center compared

"I am writing to compliment you on the remarkable team you have in place at The Children in the Shoe. Nowhere have I encountered such a happy, competent and synergistic group.

No other childcare center compared, hands down, when making my ...

Doug and Jennifer McIvor

Teachers genuinely care about the children!

"It's such a warm place where the teachers genuinely care about the children. The administration is responsive. I've used many daycares in the past with my older children and I can say that these positives are not everywhere."

N. Kobil-Brown

Our experience at The Shoe has been amazing!

"Our experience at The Shoe has been amazing. The true testament to the quality of care that our son receives is the fact that he wants to "stay and play" at pick up time. When his teacher jokes that he can come home with her, he says "YES!". Wh...

Sebastian's Mom

A wonderful home away from home

"The Shoe is a wonderful home away from home for our son. We are thrilled with the care that our son is receiving in his infant class. His teachers welcome him each morning with smiles and open arms. He is thriving and we couldn't be more please...

C. Goldberg

Exceeded all of my expectations

"The Shoe has exceeded all of my expectations of a daycare/preschool. The administration and teachers alike show a depth of caring and interest in each child that provides an utter sense of ease and calm for me as a parent. I know that my children...